NEWS

International Film Festival Manhattan Best Picture Awardee, In Nomine Matris

Filipino film HUBO Productions’ IN NOMINE MATRIS (In the Name of the Mother) bagged top honors at the recently concluded International Film Festival Manhattan 2014 in New York City. Director Will Fredo’s dance-drama was named Best Picture, and lead actress Liza Diño was named Best Actress. Aside from the director and lead actress, the sold-out Opening Night and Encore presentations of the movie was attended by Executive Producer Greg Macaraeg, Marketing Producer Fernell Cruz, and world renowned Flamenco artist choreographer & actress Ms. Clara Ramona.

This is a momentous moment for the movie. In behalf of HUBO, Will Fredo, Greg Macaraeg, Ida Tiongson, Joan T. Manalang, Medwin Garcia, George Sommerrock, we share this honor to the entire cast, crew, patrons, and supporters of In Nomine Matris. Thank you to the audience of New York City, and the entire organization of the growing International Film Festival Manhattan.

Based on real life events, this heart-stomping and intense drama, In Nomine Matris (In the Name of the Mother) dares to capture the passion of women and their dance. At the same time the narrative pays homage to the Philippines’ Spanish heritage and culture.

In the heart of Metro Manila, Mara (Diño), a young dance protégé, seeks to land the principal part of a dance company that is helming a show named In Nomine Matris. On her quest to land the coveted break, a series of events turned her sense of meaning upside down and is faced with a life-changing decision. She turns to her mentor Mercedes (Ramona) and her mother Ava (Monsod) as she searches for answers in the beautifully loud and endlessly moving world she lives in.

“In Nomine Matris is the voice of the woman and the dance of her life. Intense and gripping, it is a marvelous fusion of flamenco and folk dances. In form and substance, this film is a winner. I cried in one scene. You gotta watch it.” ~ Marivir Montebon, NYC Executive Editor at OSM (Awesome Global Citizens online magazine)

“In Nomine Matris remains one of the most thematically daring and, ultimately, most visually compelling of films produced in this republic. Dance in this film is not merely an expression of a mood; dance in this film pushes the tale to a finish.” ~ From Tito Genova Valiente, “Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino” (Critics of Philippine Cinema), GAWAD URIAN (Critic’s Choice Awards)

“In Nomine Matris is the first local movie to feature flamenco as part of the story. It could very well be our official introduction to this classical Spanish dance with its elaborate footwork, arm, hand and body movements, sometimes with castanets or a fan.” ~ From Mario Bautista, Movie Critic and Columnist

“In Nomine Matris has a novel solution to most of its trickiest narrative hurdles: dance. It harnesses the heat and passion of flamenco as a means of expressing ideas and emotions that words are insufficient to carry. Whenever the characters arrive at an impasse, they strap on their dancing shoes and pound the dark away.” ~ From Philbert Ortiz Dy, Movie Critic for Click The City

IN NOMINE MATRIS is the Closing Film at the VII Ciclo de Cine y Flamenco in Sevilla, Spain

Filipino independent movie IN NOMINE MATRIS (In the Name of the Mother) by writer and director Will Fredo has been selected to be the closing film at this year’s VII Ciclo de Cine y Flamenco in Sevilla, Spain. The yearly celebration of Flamenco films at the heart and origins of the dance, Andalusia, Spain, will premiere the movie at its capital in Sevilla this July 4th as the festival’s closing film. Instituto Andaluz Del Flamenco, Ministry of Culture and Sports of the Government of Andalusia with the support of UNESCO and Centro de Iniciativas Culturales de la Universidad de Sevilla (CICUS) organize the festival.

As critic and columnist Mario Bautista declares, “In Nomine Matris is the first local [Filipino] movie to feature flamenco as part of the story. It could very well be our official introduction to this classical Spanish dance with its elaborate footwork, arm, hand and body movements, sometimes with castanets or a fan.” The movie, produced by HUBO Productions, is the first Filipino film to be presented in the Festival. In Nomine Matris stars 38th Metro Manila Film Festival New Wave Best Actress Liza Diño (also a contender for the Best Actress plum of the forthcoming Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino URIAN Awards) together with Biboy Ramirez, Al Gatmaitan, Tami Monsod, and Clara Ramona (URIAN Best Supporting Actress nominee).

“Kinakabahan ako actually. To show the people of Andalusia (Spain) our movie is a big deal. The place is the heart of Flamenco, they can be really critical about the art form. But for the film festival to invite and appreciate what we tried to do in In Nomine Matris is very humbling,” expresses Fredo. “It’s about time we highlight the thriving topnotch Flamenco artists we have here in the Philippines,” he added. As articulated by Tito Genova Valiente, Chairman of Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino, “In Nomine Matris remains one of the most thematically daring and, ultimately, most visually compelling of films produced in this republic. Dance in this film is not merely an expression of a mood; dance in this film pushes the tale to a finish.”

Based on real life events, this heart-stomping and intense drama, In Nomine Matris (In the Name of the Mother) dares to capture the passion of women and their dance. At the same time the narrative pays homage to the Philippines’ Spanish heritage and culture.

In the heart of Metro Manila, Mara (Diño), a young dance protégé, seeks to land the principal part of a dance company that is helming a show named In Nomine Matris. On her quest to land the coveted break, a series of events turned her sense of meaning upside down and is faced with a life-changing decision. She turns to her mentor Mercedes (Ramona) and her mother Ava (Monsod) as she searches for answers in the beautifully loud and endlessly moving world she lives in.

IN NOMINE MATRIS (Sa Ngalan ng Ina), a film by HUBO Productions, premiered last December at the 38th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). Its dramatic premise and visually stimulating dance sequences choreographed by world renowned Flamenco master, Clara Ramona, was the much talked about and biggest hit for the New Wave entries during the festival. The movie bagged in the Festival’s NEW WAVE category the Best Actress award for Liza Diño and the Most Gender SensitiveAward. Due to clamor and demand, the movie will be released in selected Philippine theaters nationwide starting May 8, 2013, right in time for the Mother’s Day week.

Supported by the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines, Instituto Cervantes/SPCC, and Trinity Hearts Media, IN NOMINE MATRIS is written and directed by Will Fredo. The movie revolves around Mara, portrayed by beauty queen/actress Liza Diño, a young dance protégé who seeks to land the principal part of a dance company that is about to embark on a tour. On her quest to land the coveted break, a series of events turned her sense of meaning upside down. She is then faced with a life changing decision. She turns to her mentor Mercedes (Clara Ramona) and her mother Ava (Tami Monsod) as she searches for answers in the beautifully loud and endlessly moving world she lives in. Within this premise, director Fredo fuses the sensitivities of the Spanish culture into the Philippine modern setting through a highly tense mix of drama, dance, singing, and poetry.

Dramatic actor Biboy Ramirez and Italy-trained opera singer Al Gatmaitan, who both played Mara’s lovers in the movie, adds the complexity in the movie. The love triangle between the two half-brothers and Diño’s character creates the breath of the story. “Kikiligin at maaawa ka sa pinagdaanan ng dalawang lalaki sa kamay ng character ni Liza, maski ikaw na nanunuod, iisipin mo kung ano ang dapat mong pilliin — passion ba or true love?” quips the director. The movie is not as simple as it appears to be, IN NOMINE MATRIS is not your typical Filipino love story. The filmmaker promises that a lot of people will be able to relate, “lahat naman tayo may mga passion sa buhay, kahit ano pa yan. Araw araw, may mga choices tayong ginagawa, no matter what the consequence diba.” A perfect date movie, IN NOMINE MATRIS might be a good alternative to the high testosterone Hollywood movies coming out this May.

“Not all independent movies get the opportunity to release in wide distribution. Honestly, it is a difficult task. We are encouraged though by the audience reaction and by the support of our partners,” explains Producer Ida Tiongson. Executive Producer Greg Macaraeg enthused, “It is seldom we see an audience cheer and clap in between scenes, especially after each dance or performance. It feels like you’re watching a live show, but it’s on screen.” Medwin Garcia, one of the producers, further shares, “I hear the audience getting involved, invested with the characters. Nakakatuwa panuorin!”

The movie also stars Nepal’s foremost Flamenco dancer, Maradee De Guzman, Flamenco dancer/openmic poet Jam Pérez, award-winning actors Bong Cabrera and actor/director Leo Rialp, first time comedienne theater/TV actress Joan Palisoc, and a group of dancers from various background who trained for more than 3 months to dance Flamenco. World jazz musician Bob Aves created the beautiful music score, a first in Philippine cinema wherein “Kundiman” and Flamenco rhythms were fused together.

HUBO Productions is an independent multi-media production company that is known for its core film ventures. The film group is headed by Will Fredo, Gregory Macaraeg, Ida Tiongson, Joan T. Manalang, Medwin Garcia, and George K. Sommerrock. HUBO has ventured its artistic reach in music, theatre, dance, and visual arts. HUBO encourages artistry through practical means, and dedicates its art to stimulate the mind however unconventional and unfamiliar.

HARVEST TIME, HUBO MOMENT: “For achieving the highest levels of artistic excellence and bringing honor to the country”, CEO and Resident Director Will Fredo received an ANI NG DANGAL (Harvest of Honor) award during the National Commission of Culture and the Arts awarding ceremony, Friday, March 8, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Our very own Fredo was recognized for his Best Director win for HUBO’s “The Caregiver” at the 2012 International Film Festival Manhattan NYC. Fredo was one of 16 recipients in the field of cinema along with Ms Nora Aunor, Brillante Mendoza, and Auraeus Solito.

SING FOR ART. New NCCA Goodwill Ambassador for Music Sarah Geronimo sings the “Ani ng Sining” themesong. All photos by Andrew Robles

MANILA, Philippines – The 5th Ani ng Dangal Awards held Friday, March 8, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines was a night of intensely moving art in all its forms.

Nothing less can be expected of the awards ceremony, the culminating event of the 2013 Philippine Arts Festival held by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

NCCA Chairman Felipe de Leon Jr led the ceremony to recognize Filipinos who have brought honor to the country by winning in international competitions in their respective fields.

THE CREW. Award-winning hip hop group The Crew dance for the audience

In his welcoming remarks, he declared, “The arts lead the way for all other kinds of development. Our artists, just like the artists of the European Renaissance, will always be at the vanguard of human progress.”

HARVEST OF HONORS: The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Office of the Philippine President handed out 6 of the 13 ANI NG DANGAL (HARVEST OF HONORS) recognitions for cinema to artists involved in HUBO Productions films. The awardees were film directors RICA AREVALO, ELLEN RAMOS, and SARAH ROXAS (GANAP NA BABAE), cinematographers GYM LUMBRERA and MICHAEL MANALASTAS (GANAP NA BABAE), and actress LIZA DIÑO (COMPOUND). ANI NG DANGAL is an annual affair celebrated to give recognition to artists who won top international honors from the previous year in the seven art disciplines of music, dance, cinema, literary arts, visual arts, dramatic arts, and architecture and allied arts with the inclusion of multi-disciplinary arts.

UNO, DOS, TRES: UNO Magazine, a men’s lifestyle magazine, collaborated with HUBO on three undertakings this year. A fitness flashmob in April in partnership with the Department of Health dubbed “Dance for Life” with a surprising close to 250 participants, a video production showcased during UNO’s 9th Anniversary Party and Issue in August with the theme “UNOversity — Back to Basics”, and IN NOMINE MATRIS partnership with the movie poster launch in the magazine’s September issue and the world premiere after-party in December.

100 HONOREES: HUBO Productions founders WILL FREDO and GREG MACARAEG honored among the 100 Outstanding Filipinos in the USA by the Press Photographers Philippines-USA and Philippine Children’s Charities, Inc. Both received the award during a black-tie charity event in July at the Universal Hilton in Los Angeles, California.

THUMBS UP FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES: HUBO co-produced Outside Inside’s entry to the Annual New York International Fringe Festival, NIGHT OF THE AUK, the first major New York revival after more than 50 years of this Arch Oboler’s play. Positive reviews received and The New York Times agreed.

NIGHT OF THE AUK – Official Poster

Adam Levi in action with the ensemble cast of the revival of NIGHT OF THE AUK

GANAP NA BABAE STRIKES BACK: The film about women and written and directed by women became a box office hit during the Active Vista Human Rights Film Festival, screening to an SRO crowd and breaking the record for an independent film single screening in Cagayan de Oro. GANAP NA BABAE was also screened in San Francisco during the Filipino Arts and Cinema International (FACINE) Festival.

INTERNATIONAL ACCLAIM: Resident Director WILL FREDO was the recipient of the Best Director award during the year’s International Film Festival Manhattan NYC. Fredo was recognized for the HUBO-produced film THE CAREGIVER.

THE CAREGIVER – Official International Poster

IFFM Best Director Awardee, Will Fredo (THE CAREGIVER)

SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS:GANAP NA BABAE named the first recipient of the Mount Hope Project Award which recognizes films that present social issues in the hope that it will be a catalyst for change. Mount Hope Project is a non-profit organization that uses film and the arts to make a direct impact on lives of the underprivileged residents of Payatas in Quezon City, Philippines. The award was given during the International Film Festival Manhattan NYC.

GANAP NA BABAE (Garden of Eve) – Official International Poster

GANAP NA BABAE: Mount Hope Project Awardee

CO-INDIE-PENDENCE: HUBO Productions was a partner to two independent outfits in the realization of Cinema One Originals entries — Solito Arts’ BAYBAYIN (directed by Auraeus Solito) and Origin8 Media’s SLUMBER PARTY (directed by Emmanuel Dela Cruz).

BRAVO, INDIE! : WILL FREDO recognized by the Philippine Daily Inquirer as one of this year’s Indie Bravo awards honorees. Fredo joined an influential list that included Brillante Mendoza, Auraeus Solito, Jaclyn Jose, Eugene Domingo, Eddie Garcia and Nora Aunor. Eugene Domingo, Eddie Garcia and Nora Aunor.The Inquirer Indie Tribute honors movie icons—filmmakers and actors who have made waves in the international and local scenes.

INDIE BRAVO Award of Distinction, Will Fredo

INDIE BRAVO Awardees – Directors and Filmmakers

Will Fredo and Nora Aunor, INDIE BRAVO! Awardees

IN NOMINE MATRIS SHINES: The original and first Flamenco-Filipiniana film, written and directed by WILL FREDO, bagged two trophies during the 38th Metro Manila Film Festival Awards Night — New Wave Category Most Gender Sensitive Film and Best Actress for LIZA DIÑO.

IN NOMINE MATRIS (In the Name of the Mother), a film by HUBO Productions, premiered during the longest running film festival in the Philippines, the 38th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). The film screened from December 18 – 22 as part of the New Wave section of the festival that showcased five films from independent filmmakers. Additional dates were added for the New Wave section until the 24th given the demand and popularity of the initiative.

In Nomine Matris premiere night, principal cast

Supported by the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines, Instituto Cervantes/SPCC, and Trinity Hearts Media, IN NOMINE MATRIS is written and directed by Will Fredo. The movie revolves around Mara, portrayed by beauty queen/actress Liza Diño, a young dance protégé who seeks to land the principal part of a dance company that is about to embark on a tour. On her quest to land the coveted break, a series of events turned her sense of meaning upside down. She is then faced with a life changing decision. She turns to her mentor Mercedes (Clara Ramona) and her mother Ava (Tami Monsod) as she searches for answers in the beautifully loud and endlessly moving world she lives in. Within this premise, director Fredo fuses the sensitivities of the Spanish culture into the Philippine modern setting through a highly tense mix of drama, dance, singing, and poetry. Aside from the director and the producers of the movie, all three principal actresses were in attendance, basking in delight for all of them saw the entire film for the very first time together with the full-house theater.

In Nomine Matris premiere night, interview with Lhar Santiago of GMA

What Fredo envisioned is to narrate the travails of being a mother from a Filipino perspective but express it in a form that is once foreign and familiar. From this direction, he tapped into world jazz musician Bob Aves. The music score is something to behold. Aves absorbed the 12-beat cycle of flamenco music into the lyrical triple time of kundiman. In this way the expressiveness that is distinctively Filipino is overlayed on the aggressiveness and passion that the dances required. This has not been done before, and the result is simply astounding. Incorporate this music with Flamenco maestra Clara Ramona’s dance choreographies, the movie is something worth seeing.

When asked during the film discussion after the premiere screening, Director Fredo further explains the different elements in the movie, “Mixing different media of performances is something I consciously wanted to do, there’s dancing, some singing, and even open-mic poetry. “Kuti-kuta”, the poem that Jam Perez recites in the middle part of the movie is my take on what we feel as artists— that gnawing itch. The poem could mean a bunch of things but for me, as a filmmaker, it’s that ever-burning itch to do, to make, to create, to feel. What would you do for your passion?”

“Perhaps it is that itch that prompted me to make this film. It is that itch which determines that choices we make in life. But in hindsight, I recognize the strong female, specifically mother, figures that bring out the best in me as a Filipino. From the story of a female friend who was on the brink of motherhood but tragically lost her baby, from the stories and memory of my mother, the choices she made as a mother, from the tales of all the mothers I have met, from the culture that I grew up in that is undeniably matriarchal. What I make of me as a Filipino, and perhaps every Filipino, is in the name of the mother,” Fredo shares.

In Nomine Matris premiere night, cast and crew

The premiere night was celebrated with the IN NOMINE MATRIS stars and crew strutting their gowns and suits. Together with them are some of the who’s who in the Philippines. Former Senator Agapito “Butz” Aquino, Justice Santiago Javier Ranada, TV personality Winnie Monsod, celebrity businessman Atticus King, and New York Broadway singer/professor Miguel Braganza were amongst the audience.

Metro Manila Film Festival New Wave, Liza Diño and Will Fredo Winners

Dramatic actor Biboy Ramirez and Italy-trained opera singer Al Gatmaitan, who both played Mara’s lovers in the movie, were definitely eye-candies for the ladies during the sold-out premiere event. First time comedienne theater/TV actress Joan Palisoc, Flamenco dancer/open-mic poet Jam Pérez, award-winning actor Bong Cabrera, and the movie dancers complete the cast who attended the premiere.

The highly jampacked theater at Glorietta 4 cinema greeted the cast and crew at the door with open arms and high praises. Executive Producer Greg Macaraeg enthused, “It is seldom we see an audience cheer and clap in between scenes, especially after each dance or performance. It feels like you’re watching a live show, but it’s on screen.” Medwin Garcia, one of the producers, further shares, “I hear the audience getting involved, invested with the characters. Nakakatuwa panuorin [Feels good to watch]!”

The mood became emotional as the director and principal cast shared their experiences about the film during the Question and Answer portion after the screening of the movie. Clara Ramona spoke a heartfelt revelation of the difficulty of being a Flamenco dancer, especially for someone of a Filipino descent. In turn, Monsod and Diño shared their experiences as mothers and how this movie closely touches their lives.

IN NOMINE MATRIS is the New Wave Category box office topnotcher of the 38th Metro Manila Film Festival. The original and first Flamenco-Filipiniana film, written and directed by Fredo, eventually bagged two trophies during the 38th Metro Manila Film Festival Awards Night held on December 27 at the Meralco Theater: New Wave Category Most Gender Sensitive Film and Best Actress for Diño.

IN NOMINE MATRIS cast and crew at the 38th Metro Manila Film Festival Award Night

HUBO Productions is an independent multi-media production company that is known for its core film ventures. The film group is headed by Will Fredo, Gregory Macaraeg, Ida Tiongson, Joan T. Manalang, Medwin Garcia, and George K. Sommerrock. HUBO has ventured its artistic reach in music, theatre, dance, and visual arts. HUBO encourages artistry through practical means, and dedicates its art to stimulate the mind however unconventional and unfamiliar.

CHEER FACTOR: HUBO‘s resident director, Will Fredo, is one of Philippine Daily Inquirer’s honorees this year together with acclaimed artists, Nora Aunor, Eddie Garcia, Brilliante Mendoza to name a few.

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Once again, the annual Inquirer Indie Tribute gathered the most widely acclaimed Filipino film artists—from actors led by Nora Aunor and Eddie Garcia to directors Brillante Ma. Mendoza and Adolfo Alix Jr.—in a well-attended, but intimate, family-type gathering on Monday night.

The event salutes filmmakers who have received awards for their works in festivals here and abroad.

Dubbed “Indie Bravo!” for this third edition, the program was held, as usual, at the Inquirer office in Makati City. It was a “box-office hit,” observed perennial guest Briccio Santos, chairman of the Film Development Council of the Philippines.

For most of the honorees, it was a little more personal—a rare and happy reunion party.

INDIE BRAVO Awardees – Directors and Filmmakers

Nervous Nora

Aunor was surprised to see Garcia, who directed her in the 1978 movie “Atsay.”

She said she had initially felt “nervous” at the sight of old colleagues. “When I meet artists I admire,” she said in Filipino, “I always get tongue-tied.”

Garcia and Aunor are nominated for best actor and actress honors at the Asia Pacific Film Festival, ongoing in Macau and culminating on Dec. 15.

The “Superstar” said she wanted to stay, watch the entire program and chat with friends.

There was enough time to discuss a possible movie together with fellow honorees Jaclyn Jose, Cherry Pie Picache and Gina Pareño, but Aunor had to rush to the TV5 telethon for Typhoon “Pablo” survivors that night.

“It’s great to see old friends in an intimate setting,” said Jose, who was “happy that Ate Guy is back.” “Guy” is Aunor’s nickname. The two worked together in the 1995 movie, “The Flor Contemplacion Story.”

Special honoree

Monday’s event also reunited Aunor with Fides Cuyugan-Asensio, a special honoree, who was a judge on the TV talent show “Tawag ng Tanghalan,” where the singer-actress was discovered in 1967.

Asensio recalled: “Nora, who was 11 at the time, was my single choice as champion.”

Because she had come from the opera world, Asensio admitted that she “felt like an oddball [at the indie tribute]. But I found the film folks’ warmth and the camaraderie in the room so welcoming and inspiring. How I wish indie films happened earlier in my life.”

Asensio got to catch up with yet another honoree, Shamaine Centera-Buencamino, her costar in “Niño”—and also with the film’s director Loy Arcenas, who was cited last year.

This year Asensio and Vincent Sandoval, star and director of “Aparisyon,” were similarly honored.

Sandoval, who is based in the United States, asked his producer Darlene Catly Malimas to receive his trophy and Guyito (the Inquirer mascot) stuffed toy. “This means a lot to Vincent,” Malimas said.

‘Great reunion’

Pareño said she felt like a fish thrown back to the sea at the Inquirer party because, “I miss hanging out with indie filmmakers.”

“This is a great reunion and celebration,” said Alix, who met up with three stars he had previously worked with—Picache (“Isda”), Jose (“Donsol”) and Garcia (“Ride to Love”).

Cannes-winning filmmaker Mendoza, cited for “Thy Womb,” also caught up with lead stars from three of his movies: Pareño and Jose (“Serbis”), Picache (“Foster Child”) and Rustica Carpio (“Lola”).

Carpio was happy to get a hug from Aunor, who was her daughter in the 1980 Lino Brocka film “Bona.”

Favorite moment

Mendoza said his favorite moment during the tribute was honoring Garcia, Carpio, Asensio and Anita Linda. “They truly deserved that,” he said, “because these artists have transcended their age.”

Linda, who was in the United States to visit a son, had asked Alix to receive her award, with a specific instruction: “Don’t forget my Guyito.”

Like many of the acting honorees, Carpio had sneaked out of a taping to go to the party. Carpio, who wore an elegant black outfit, jested: “From here, I’m going back to the set, and back into a duster.”

Filmmaker Benito Bautista, honored for two films—“Harana” and “Boundary”—said he was elated “to be in the same room as cinema luminaries.”

‘Indie-genius’

For Auraeus Solito, honored for the film “Busong,” the two highlights of the evening were seeing his mom proud of him, and talking to screen legend Garcia. “Eddie told me that ‘busong’ (native Palawan for ‘fate’) meant the same thing in Bicolano,” said Solito.

Apart from his mom Leonarda, Solito thanked pioneering indie filmmaker Kidlat Tahimik, who, he said, “served as a bridge” for indigenous cinema. Or, as Tahimik said in his speech: “Indie-genius.”

Jet Leyco, honored for “Ex Press,” was “pleasantly surprised to see Kidlat.”

Actually, Tahimik was honored last year, but was unable to attend the ceremony. He requested that his trophy be given to him this year. “I wanted to meet and talk with young indie filmmakers, too,” said Tahimik, who had traveled from Baguio, where he is based.

Tahimik presented his own award, a bamboo camera trophy, to the late Inquirer publisher Isagani Yambot, a staunch supporter of local indies, who died earlier this year.

Also lauded at the event were four industry stalwarts who had passed on in the second half of 2012: filmmakers Mario O’Hara, Marilou Diaz-Abaya and Celso Ad. Castillo, and comedy king Dolphy.

Spontaneous cheers

A slide presentation accompanied by an upbeat movie theme drew spontaneous cheers from the audience. Aunor cried at this point, especially during the portion for O’Hara, who had directed her in several films. “He was always around for me, good times and bad,” the actress said.

Ed Instrella, manager of honorees Jose and Picache, noted that the annual tribute has become a ritual for the indie community. “I’m looking forward to next year’s Indie Bravo! awards.”

The program started with a performance by indigenous musician/film scorer Diwa de Leon, who worked on “Busong,” one of the cited films. De Leon performed music from Solito’s latest film, “Baybayin.”

For the finale, violinist Julian Duque, the child prodigy featured in Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil’s awarded film “Boses,” played Antonio Vivaldi’s “Summer 3rd movement” and Antonio Molina’s “Hating Gabi.” Duque performed at the inaugural tribute three years ago.

Joyful struggle

Mendoza thanked the Inquirer for its support, which “serves as our strength and inspiration to continue this joyful struggle to preserve and promote our culture.”

Bautista called the Inquirer “our enthusiastic partner” in helping Philippine cinema grow. He explained: “Our job as filmmakers is to create cinema so we can contribute to the growth of the audience and society at large. As a wise man once said: When society is ready for cinema, it is ready for the finer things in life.”

Mainstream movie and TV director Jun Robles Lana, honored for the Cinemalaya drama “Bwakaw,” jested that he had gone indie so he could win a stuffed toy of Guyito.

Chris Martinez, scriptwriter of “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank,” said he was “humbled to be the first scriptwriter to be honored with an Indie Bravo!” Martinez read the prepared speech of honoree Eugene Domingo, who received a best actress award in France last weekend. She fell sick upon her return to Manila and couldn’t make it to the event.

Leyco “never imagined that my thesis film (‘Ex Press’) would get this far.” He thanked the Inquirer profusely.

Enjoying one another

Will Fredo, honored for “The Caregiver,” pointed out: “The biggest problem of indie filmmakers is marketing and promotion. The Inquirer always responds to our calls and messages, no questions asked.” He noted that the relaxed mood at the gathering was perfect “for simply enjoying one another.”

Fredo had flown in from the United States—like Ron Morales (honored for “Graceland”), who stayed in the country for just 48 hours, flying back to New Jersey the morning after the program.

Morales was accompanied by his actors Arnold Reyes, Leon Miguel and Ella Guevara, and production staffer Juan Benedicto.

She recounted that the section decided to be the conduit between the Filipino audience and indie filmmakers seven years ago, when most people were still skeptical about the movement’s prospects.

“That decision has been validated,” Velarde said, adding: “Every text message, every e-mail from you about another victory, another invitation to a film fest abroad, another worthwhile project just started, is like a shot of vitamins for us.”

Every bit of news, Velarde said, was “always quickly and enthusiastically disseminated via four platforms—Twitter, Inquirer.net, Radyo Inquirer and the Philippine Daily Inquirer.”

Velarde was assisted in handing out the awards by Inquirer chief operating officer Rene Reinoso, vice president for corporate affairs Connie Kalagayan and columnist and Saturday Special editor Nestor U. Torre—all confessed film buffs.

In his welcome speech, publisher Raul C. Pangalangan said, “It’s a unique time for filmmakers … [one that] presents an opportunity for reform. It is my hope that the indies will foster change in the mainstream industry as well.”

Santos broke upbeat news. “We are witnessing the advent of the full revival and resurgence of the film industry,” he said. “From 23 films distributed two years ago, the number is up to 63 this year.”

BRAVO NEWS: HUBO Productions CEO and Resident Director Will Fredo named by the Philippine Daily Inquirer as one of this year’s Indie Bravo! awards honorees. Fredo joins a list that includes Brillante Mendoza, Auraeus Solito, Jaclyn Jose,Eugene Domingo, Eddie Garcia and Nora Aunor. Fredo won the Best Director plum for HUBO’s The Caregiver at the recently concluded International Film Festival Manhattan NYC. His latest work In Nomine Matris (In the Name of the Mother), also produced by HUBO, will premiere during the longest-running film festival in the Philippines — The Metro Manila Film Festival, December 18-22, 2012.

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Director Will Fredo, Indie Bravo! awardee

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On its third year, the Inquirer Indie Tribute, now officially dubbed the Indie Bravo! awards, is honoring movie icons—filmmakers and actors who have made waves in the international and local scenes.

This year, the Philippine Daily Inquirer is celebrating the achievements of new and past winners.

Among the honorees from year one who made it to this year’s lineup are Brillante Ma. Mendoza, Auraeus Solito, Adolfo Alix Jr. and Chris Martinez.

Interestingly, four of them—Bautista, Fredo, Sandoval and Morales—are Filipinos based in the United States.

Indeed, the Filipino indie community is growing and going global.

The Inquirer Indie Tribute has also expanded to include some of the actors who have won awards in the international film festival circuit in the last seven years: Anita Linda, Gina Pareño, Rustica Carpio, Jaclyn Jose, Cherry Pie Picache, Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino, Eugene Domingo and Nora Aunor.

Also included in Inquirer’s roster of honorees are two veteran actors, Eddie Garcia and Fides Cuyugan-Asensio, who are much loved as staunch allies of indie filmmakers.

This year, the Inquirer Indie Tribute will be held on December 10 at the newspaper’s Makati office at 6 p.m.

Most of the awardees are expected to grace the event, which has become a convivial and much-anticipated occasion in the local movie scene.

Once again, the Inquirer toasts the very best of the Filipino indie film community!

Actress LIZA DIÑO in the raw, as Mara Bonifacio Advento, the protagonist in the movie In Nomine Matris (In the Name of the Mother). She plays a young dance protégé in search for perfection, her real passion, and her true love.

Inspired by Bjork and Marina Abramovic work, transposing excerpts and creating a simplistic collage of lines from the movie In Nomine Matris as a performance piece, director Will Fredo together with long time collaborator Roldan Din, harnesses the rawness of Liza Diño by subjecting the actress in constrained body movements. At the same time, this piece showcases in a playful form the Spanish style monologue coming from the movie’s dramatic narrative. Accompanied by a heartfelt acoustic Flamenco-Filipiniana inspired musical score from Bob Aves, this performance piece will draw you closer to your own personal passion and desires.

“Sometimes, watching the journey of an actress go through cycles of emotion in constrained situations is simply breath taking,” Fredo explains.

CLARA RAMONA, a world-renowned Flamenco master, shares her artistry in the movie In Nomine Matris. In this rare footage of deleted scenes from the movie, her character Mercedes Lagdameo pours out her soul, her passion, her frustration as an aging dancer, an embattled teacher, and above of all, as a loving mother.

Filipino music scholars agree that kundiman is uniquely Filipino musical form that taps deep into one’s heart and bring untold emotions. Felipe M. de León Jr. once wrote that kundiman is a “unique musical form expressing intense longing, caring, devotion and oneness with a beloved…its music is soulful and lofty…”

Soleá is one of the foundational styles of flamenco that always incorporates the elements of romantic tragedy, desolation, and death. It affords the dancer both profound emotion and blazing footwork in the unique 12-beat cycle of flamenco music.

What WILL FREDO envisioned for the scene is to narrate the travails of being a mother from a Filipino perspective but express it in a form that is at once foreign and familiar. From this direction what BOB AVES has done is absorb the 12-beat cycle of soleá flamenco music into the lyrical triple time of kundiman. In this way the expressiveness that is distinctively Filipino is overlayed on the aggressiveness and passion that the dance required. This has not been done before, and the result is simply astounding.

HUBO Productions signed up its most recent collaboration deal via an agreement to support the production of Origin8 Media’s Slumber Party. HUBO Financial Director and Board Member Ida Ceniza-Tiongson was on hand to seal this deal with Slumber Party director Emmanuel Dela Cruz representing Origin8 Media. Slumber Party received a production grant from Cinema One Originals and is an official selection of the festival to be held this November.

Slumber Party is set on the eve of August 23, 2010, the night when a bus carrying Chinese nationals from Hong Kong are held hostage in Manila, Philippines while Philippine representative Maria Venus Raj is under pressure in the Miss Universe pageant to bring home the coveted crown. Three long time friends throw a sleep over party and do a vigil to once again show their support for the country’s delegate to the most prestigious beauty pageant. Nursing a broken heart from a failed romance, Phillippe is joined by Elle and Jhana to carry him through that night. On what was planned as a light and fun night took a twisted turn when a young frat-boy broke into the house where they were staying. Questions about life, love and friendship arose within the course of the night.

About Origin8 Media

Origin8 Media is founded by eight storytellers that aims to create and produce content that is original, excellent, and meaningful as it is commercially viable. The founders are writers, producers and directors whose collective body of work in the film and television industry includes some of the biggest and memorable hits of the last decade. Work credits of the members of Origin8 in various capacities include Endo, Tanging Ina, KimmyDora, Nasaan Ka Man, Zombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington, and Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros. Origin8 believes that excellent content and blockbuster success go hand in hand, that critical acclaim and mass appeal are not opposing forces.

About HUBO Productions

HUBO Productionsis an independent multi-media production company that is known for its core film ventures. To date, HUBO has released three full-length films, that have been shown in the Philippines and in international film festival circuits. Its fourth release, In Nomine Matris, is going to be screened this December as an official selection of the 38th Metro Manila Film Festival New Wave FeatureFilm Category. HUBO has ventured its artistic reach in music, theatre, dance, and visual arts. HUBO encourages artistry through practical means, and dedicates its art to stimulate the mind however unconventional and unfamiliar.

NEW YORK CITY—Will Fredo was named Best Director for the movie “The Caregiver” in the ongoing International Film Festival Manhattan (IFFM) in New York City.

The award was handed during the opening ceremonies on November 8. The festival runs until 15 at the Quad Cinemas, 34 West 13th Street, New York.

“The Caregiver” is the story of Carlito Mariposa (Joshua Deocareza) who is nursing Agustin Vergeire (Marcus Madrigal), a “sepaktakraw” (competitive hacky sack) player who was badly injured in one of his crucial games.

Confined in a very limited and shrunken world, the two developed an unlikely attraction that had Carlito thread an unexpected journey of self-discovery, shedding layers of skin along the way like a deadly viper.

Fredo is the only Filipino winner of the Merit and Juried awards handed out that night.

IFFM Best Director Will Fredo, The Caregiver

Among the winners were Stefan Immler for “Oxygen for Ears” (Best US Documentary), Tetsu Shiratori (Japan) for “Inori” (Best Global Documentary), Daren Press for “Theresa is a Mother” (Best US Narrative) and Nikolay Iliev (Bulgaria) for “The Foreigner” (Best Global Narrative).

Fredo, in his acceptance speech, mentioned that the award was unexpected given the quality of films in competition. He said “The Caregiver” is a personal film and is delighted to have found a very appreciative audience in this festival.

Luis Pedron, Director of IFFMNYC, forwards that “the directorial prowess of Will Fredo and the acting skills of Filipino actors, show the relationship between a caregiver and a patient.

The narrative ends with a jaw dropping twist!”

In attendance in the opening and awards night were Liza Diño, who stood in for GregoryMacaraeg, president of HUBO Productions, to receive the Mount Hope Project Award for the film “Ganap na Babae (Garden of Eve),” and Fernell Cruz, board member.

HUBO Productions is an independent multi-media production company that is known for its core film ventures. To date, HUBO has released three-full length films.

“In Nomine Matris,” its fourth offering, is an official selection in the New Wave Cinema Category ofthe 38th Metro Manila Film Festival, which will run December 18 – 22.

HUBO has ventured its artistic reach in music, theatre, dance, and visual arts. HUBO encourages artistry through practical means and dedicates its art to stimulate the mind however unconventional and unfamiliar.

In its 19th year, FACINE is alive and kicking in San Francisco. For the first time, passionate and cineaste program director, Mauro Tumbocon, Jr., enthused that it is the first that the film festival had a venue Daly City—an American mid-size city famous for its highest concentration of Filipino residents. He further explained that the 19th year is a step in the festival’s history to a bigger and loftier 20th celebration next year.

Held at the two-year old facilities of the re-opened War Memorial Center, 6655 Mission Street, Daly City, FACINE/19 closed with three award-winning films, Ganap na Babae (Garden of Eve), a feature length film about women by women directors helmed by Rica Arevalo, Ellen Ramos, and Sarah Roxas, Alvin Yapan’s Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa (The Dance of Two Left Feet), and Ka Oryang (Comrade Oryang) of Lawrence Sibug. The full length feature films were accompanied by short films: Victoria Donato’s Dognapper, Adiran Alarilla’s Triptych and Lawrence Sibug’s Convoy. The films started showing at 12 noon. FACINE/19 was attended by Filipino film enthusiasts and had shown 34 films over three weekends. It is a celebration of Filipino Arts and Cinema that coincided with the Filipino-American history month.

HUBO Production’s resident director Will Fredo and producer Fernell Cruz attended the event for Ganap na Babae (Garden of Eve). After the screening Fredo of HUBO and Donato, director of Dognapper, were welcomed with a Q&A. Fredo explained that Ganap na Babae was a result of a mentorship program for new women directors where he pointed out that in spite of being known as a matriarchal society, Filipino women directors remain a minority and a small voice in the Filipino film industry. With the help of Rica Arevalo and Ellen Ramos, they found this new and exciting talent, Sarah Roxas. He further paid homage to the late Marilou Diaz Abaya, who recently passed away, “ngayon nawalan pa tayo ng isang pang great female director, iilan na nga lang sila.” He further championed the need for female voice to be heard, especially by the Filipino communities. Having festivals such as FACINE, it is a portal for Filipino films and should continue to promulgate within and outside the city.

“I took the risk, I know many will take offense but I had no other way to tell the truth that many had been so deluded to believe,” declares Mike Portes when asked about the Minsan May Isang Puta. It’s a short piece that uses a first-person narrative technique that speaks directly to its reader. The voice is even pedestrian that in its familiar tone the reader is simply drawn to it. The voice simply asks that you listen as if an old friend or relative is about to tell a story. It is a story that found thousands of listening ears since it first appeared in 2004.

The story is at once familiar yet enigmatic. In “re-telling the truth through the words of a loving mother and by using sex as an impulse zone” is perhaps what makes it fresh, intimate and endearing. Portes was already a mother of two when she worked on Minsan May Isang Puta and would have added the realistic, not imagined or distantiated, tone of a mother’s lament in the story—a layer that was underscored in the 2007 version. It is a voice and a layer that resonates among many Filipinos, and reinvigorated the interest on the piece. Portes has always been passionate about writing, yet never neglecting her social and moral obligations. Portes wants the people who chance upon her work “to bring something with them each and every time.”

One of the uncalculated effects of writing a piece that takes up a familiar and much abused figure is how it would affect creativity in another person, in another medium. The story was already in circulation and received much following when Sarah Roxas chanced upon it through the internet. The mother’s lament touched Sarah and felt the “pain and love for her children.” To her mind, “it would make a really good short film.”

One could say it was a fortuitous turn of events that brought Portes and Roxas together to turn Minsan May Isang Puta into a film. Portes was at a point where she was questioning the point of it all, while Roxas was determined to pick it up and try her hand on films. It was an opportunity to further seal the cultic, if not classic, status of the story.

The Dove Files by Mike Portes with an entire chapter on the movie, GANAP NA BABAE (Garden of Eve)[ Photo by Maria Jose – click picture for a larger image ]

Film is an interesting medium. The elements that go into writing—the voice, the character, the breathing, the lighting, the sound, the language—all those are present physically. All that is tacit in the text and the choices made by the writer that affect a reader come to a visual reality, approximating life, as it were. For Portes, the visual stimulation that a film affords might have just been the rebound that she needed at that point of her writing life. She saw it as “a blatant sign that my life was precious and that I should make full use of my gifts.”

The film adaptation may have ruffled some feminists (example Three Eves, Philippine Daily Inquirer article) but that only testifies to how effective the material is. Portes contends “that woman was never created to be subservient to the double standards of society. The lessons in the film are meant for spiritual introspection since society proliferates with dogma [sic] that serve perverted purposes.” Birds, as it were, fly low for differing reasons.

Minsan May Isang Puta is included in Portes’ recently published book The Dove Files, which collects her “popular and new writings in Filipino, Taglish and English” The book takes up both the traditional symbolism of the dove—patience, peace, love, emancipation, hope—and the Filipino euphemism for prostitutes. The book includes pieces “that endeavor to understand and honor the past and the present in order to face the future in full frontal. No sugar coating. No delusions.”

Ganap na Babae (Garden of Eve), a three-part feature movie about women by women directors, helmed by directors Rica Arevalo, Ellen Ramos, and Sarah Roxaswill be screened in the US this fall. In San Francisco Bay area, the film is part of FACINE/19 and will be shown on October 27, 12pm at the War Memorial Center, 6655 Mission Street, Daly City. The screening is open and free to the public.

HUBO Productions’ Ganap na Babae (Garden of Eve) has been named the first recipient of the 2012 Mount Hope Project Award which recognizes films that present social issues in the hope that it will be a catalyst for change. International Film Festival Manhattan co-founder and programmer Luis Pedron cites the “unique process that discovered new and upcoming women filmmakers” that culminated in the independent film Ganap na Babae (Garden of Eve). Gerry Balastra, founder of Mount Hope Project, affirms the belief that “film is one of the most powerful medium to bring change.”

Ganap na Babae(Garden of Eve) is the culminating project of a mentorship program initiated by HUBO Productions that aimed at nurturing young Filipino women directors. Ganap na Babae (Garden of Eve) was the opening film of the 6th Cinemalaya Filmfestival, 2010. Later, it became an official selection in the 2nd SoHo International Film Festival NYC, 2011 where it subsequently won the first Mient’s Pick for Excellence in Cinematography. The award earned the directors Arevalo, Ramos and Roxas, and cinematographers Gym Lumbera and Michael Manalastas Ani Dangal (Harvest of Honors) award in 2012 from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) of the Philippines.

Ganap na Babae(Garden of Eve) tells the story of Filipino women in contemporary Filipino society from the point of view of young Filipino women directors. A prostitute, two sisters, and a widow frame the narratives and insights that deals with womanhood in the Philippines. A prostitute (Mercedes Cabral) is interviewed for a documentary and in the course bared her soul in front of the camera. She looks backs on her struggles and her will to survive as a mother. Two sisters, Milagros (Sue Prado) and Elena (Jam Pérez), together till “camote” (sweet potato) in a land that became arid due to lack of rain. This situation pushed them to abject poverty prompting Elena to seek opportunities overseas by becoming a mail-order bride in Japan. Milagros was left behind to look after their family and farm the land. Eos (Boots Anson Roa) is a widow who falls in love with a younger man, Rodrigo (Rome Mallari). They try to make the relationship work amidst the pressure of their family and the society. Ganap na Babae (Garden of Eve) is directed by Rica Arevalo, Ellen Ramos, and Sarah Roxas.

In receiving this award, Ganap na Babae (Garden of Eve) will have a special screening on November 9, 5:10pm at the Quad Cinemas in New York. The screening is part of the 2nd International Film Festival Manhattan and will be a fundraising event. Proceeds will benefit The Happyness Photo Project, a platform that taps into the creative side of children living in a dumpsite in the Philippines. Janice Colina, Executive Director of Mount Hope Project, adds that with the presentation of this film, it will “hopefully stimulate great minds and open kind hearts.”

The International Film Festival Manhattan (IFFM) in New York aims to offer quality selection of world-class films that will be showcased in downtown Manhattan and offer filmmakers the opportunity to promote their work in a uniquely New York setting. In its second year, the festival runs from November 9 to 15 at the Quad Cinema in Manhattan. (http://www.facebook.com/IFFMNewyork)

About Mount Hope Project

Mount Hope Project is a non-profit organization that uses film and the arts to make a direct impact on lives of the underprivelged residents of Payatas in Quezon City, Philippines. MOUNT HOPE aims to create a positive change, starting with the lives of the scavenger-actors and venturing out to other communities in need, to promote a better world for all. (http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Mount-Hope-Project-Inc/ , http://www.mounthopeproject.org/)

About Happyness Photo Project

Happyness Photo Project is an off shoot of Mount Hope Project that aims to serve as a platform to tap the creative side of the children living in Payatas. It uses photography to promote and further its cause. Photographs depicting the hope and happiness among the children of Payatas are available for sale. Pieces are exhibited in all its events.

About HUBO Productions

HUBO Productions is an independent multi-media production company with film ventures as its core. To date, HUBO has released three-full length films, with two that are in post-production work. It has ventured its artistic reach in music, theatre, dance, and painting. HUBO encourages artistry through practical means, and dedicates its art to stimulate the mind however unconventional and unfamiliar.

HUBO Productions’ Ganap na Babae (Garden of Eve) will be exhibited as part of the 19thFilipino American Cinefestival in San Francisco this October. The exhibition is spread over three weekends beginning October 12 at three prominent Filipino centers in the San Francisco Bay Area—Bayanihan Center and the Manilatown Center both in San Francisco and the War Memorial Center in Daly City.

Ganap na Babae(Garden of Eve) tells three stories of Filipino women in contemporary Filipino society from the point of view of young Filipino women directors. A prostitute, two sisters, and a widow are the figures that frame the narratives and insights that deal with aspects of womanhood in the Philippines. A prostitute (Mercedes Cabral) is interviewed for a documentary and in the course bared her soul in front of the camera. She looks backs on her struggles and her will to survive as a mother. Two sisters, Milagros (Sue Prado) and Elena (Jam Pérez) tills “camote” (sweet potato) in a land that became arid due to lack of rain. This situation pushed them to abject poverty prompting Elena to seek opportunities overseas by becoming a mail-order bride in Japan. Milagros was left behind to look after their family and farm the land. Eos (Boots Anson Roa) is a widow who falls in love with a younger man, Rodrigo (Rome Mallari). They try to make the relationship work amidst the pressure of their family and the society. Ganap na Babae (Garden of Eve)is directed by Rica Arevalo, Ellen Ramos, and Sarah Roxas.

Ganap na Babae (Garden of Eve) is the culminating project of a mentorship program that aimed at nurturing young Filipino women directors. Ganap na Babae (Garden of Eve) was the opening film of the 6th Cinemalaya Filmfestival, 2010. Later, it became an official selection in the 2nd SoHo International Film Festival NYC, 2011 where it subsequently won the first Mient’s Pick for Excellence in Cinematography. The award earned the directors Arevalo, Ramos and Roxas, and cinematographers Gym Lumbera and Michael Manalastas Ani Dangal (Harvest of Honors) award in 2012 from the Office of the Philippine President and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) of the Philippines.

The 19th Filipino American Cine Festival, also known as FACINE/19, is an annual event that showcases independent films, shorts and documentaries produced by Filipino American and Philippine based filmmakers. The festival is organized by Filipino Arts & Cine, International which is committed to develop and promote Filipino American media arts and advance the interests of cinemas from the Philippines and the Filipino diaspora. Aside from the festival in San Francisco, it organizes film-related events in the SF Bay Area. FACINE/19 runs for three weekends beginning October 12, 2012. Ganap na Babae (Garden of Eve) will screen on October 27, Saturday, 12noon – 2pm at the War Memorial Center, 6655 Mission Street, Daly City. Daly City screenings of the festival are free and open to the public.

HUBO Productions is an independent multi-media production company with film ventures as its core. To date, HUBO has released three-full length films, with two that are in post-production work. It has ventured its artistic reach in music, theatre, dance, and painting. HUBO encourages artistry through practical means, and dedicates its art to stimulate the mind however unconventional and unfamiliar.

HUBO Productions’ The Caregiver is slated to compete in this year’s International Film Festival Manhattan New York City (IFFMNYC) in November. It will be pit against movies from other countries in the narrative category.

The Caregiver is written and directed by HUBO’s CEO and Resident Director Will Fredo and tells the story of Carlito Mariposa (Joshua Deocareza) who is nursing Agustin Vergeire (Marcus Madrigal), a “sepaktakraw” (competitive hacky sack) player who was badly injured in one of his crucial games. Confined in a very limited and shrunken world, the two developed an unlikely attraction that had Carlito thread an unexpected journey of self-discovery, shedding layers of skin along the way like a deadly viper.

The festival runs from November 9 to 15 at the Quad Cinema in Manhattan. On its second year, IFFMNYC aims to offer quality selection of world-class films that will be showcased in downtown Manhattan and offer filmmakers the opportunity to promote their work in a uniquely New York setting. The programming, with a special focus on social relevance, encompasses different genres contributing to the diversity within the festival.

HUBO Productions is an independent multi-media production company with film ventures as its core. To date, HUBO has released three-full length films, with two that are in post-production work. It has ventured its artistic reach in music, theatre, dance, and painting. HUBO encourages artistry through practical means, and dedicates its art to stimulate the mind however unconventional and unfamiliar.

HUBO Productions has entered an agreement to support the production of Solito Arts’ Baybayin, an official selection of the upcoming Cinema One Originals slated to be held on November 2012.

Baybayin, by Auraeus Solito, is the second installment of a trilogy that engages the indigenous Palawan culture and philosophy, the first one being Busong. Baybayin is the tale of two half sisters both in love with a man who is unable to hear or talk to them, proving that love can communicate even in silence. It is inspired by Palawan’s local legends and hopes to dramatize the Palawan script as well. The film stars the de Rossi sisters, Assunta and Alessandra.

HUBO Board Member Ida Ceniza-Tiongson was instrumental in this new collaboration. Solito, on signing up HUBO’s support for his latest film project remarked, “The meeting with Ida was serendipitous in a way. I felt that HUBO is a group of people that respects artistic integrity of filmmakers.” Further he acknowledges that HUBO has produced progressive and meaningful films before.

About Solito Arts

Solito Arts is Auraeus Solito’s company. He is an acclaimed and award-winning filmmaker who rose to international fame with his first feature film Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros (The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros). His last film Busong was presented at the prestigious Cannes Directors’ Fortnight. He was recently chosen to be part of Take 100, The Future of Film, a book published by Phaidon Press, New York that presented an emerging generation of the most talented filmmakers around the world.

About HUBO Productions

HUBO Productionsis an independent multi-media production company that is known for its core film ventures. To date, HUBO has released three-full length films, with two that are in post-production work. It has ventured its artistic reach in music, theatre, dance, and visual arts. HUBO encourages artistry through practical means, and dedicates its art to stimulate the mind however unconventional and unfamiliar.

Ida Tiongson (center) together with the Director and the Cast of Baybayin

On August 29, UNO unveiled the commemorative video that accompanies its 9th anniversary celebration. The video features the team behind UNO Magazine that puts together its glossy pictures and pages and makes things happen. HUBO Productions was tasked to produce the video.

Under the supervision of HUBO’s CEO and Resident Director Will Fredo, UNO’s managing director Maan Ilustre and HUBO’s Gian Caluag conceptualized the video in keeping with the celebratory theme “UNOversity Back to Basics.” Line Producer, Ida Ceniza-Tiongson, cannot contain her excitement and pride that she called it a music video masterpiece. Caluag shares the credit with his Ninja Films associates Marielle Hizon, editing, and Richard Bautista, graphics.

HUBO Productions and UNO Magazine (5 Leaf Publishing Co., Inc.) has signed an agreement to produce a video production that will accompany UNO Magazine’s 9th Anniversary issue. For this, the team of UNO has planned a commemorative special collector’s edition issue and a grand celebration. UNO has chosen the theme of “UNOversity — Back to Basics” for the festivities. UNO Magazine Managing Director Maan Ilustre exclaims “UNOversity theme is a Grand Alumni Homecoming of anything and everything UNO.

It is a Pep Rally of sorts for everything we have done. We are closing the chapter of the last 9 years and entering a new exciting era.” She further expressed excitement with this initial collaboration with HUBO. Ida Ceniza-Tiongson, HUBO board member, represented HUBO in sealing the partnership. Says Ceniza-Tiongson “HUBO has always been open to collaboration that would challenge and expand our artistic reach and this venture is one of them. We are delighted to be working with UNO.” The celebration will be kicked-off by a Grand Alumni Homecoming party on August 29, which will bring back the top and hottest previous UNO cover girls.

UNO Magazine is a men’s lifestyle magazine that covers men’s interest that ranges from women, sports, cars and other vehicles, gadgets, career, fashion to fitness. It aims to publish relevant topics that its target market will find fun, useful, inspirational and intelligent.

HUBO Productions, on its sixth year, sees this project as an expansion from its core film ventures to solidify its multi-media status. To date, HUBO has released three-full length films, with two that are in post-production work. It has ventured to produce a soundtrack that featured emerging Philippine independent bands, co-presented theatre works both in New York City and Manila, and supported other independent films and music video. HUBO has also championed a visual arts exhibition in Salt Lake City, Utah, sponsored a dance festival in Seattle, and has been instrumental in organizing a fitness flashmob in the Philippines.

“Read this!” that’s how Adam Levi (director) and Michael Ross Albert (script adapter and actor) brought Arch Oboler‘s work Night of the Auk to the attention of Kaitlyn Samuel who joins the crew as co-director. “And who doesn’t want to explore playing in a spaceship?! It was just too appealing NOT to go for it., “enthused Samuel.

Kaitlyn Samuel

A play first mounted almost two generations ago and with the second world war still fresh in everyone’s memory is not without a challenge to re-appropriate for contemporary audience. But that was what stimulated Samuel, believing that it is “an underdog play, a story that doesn’t get told often and one that needed some help. And the core message of the play is about humanity and responsibility, which are two big issues I can get behind exploring.”

When what was once the future is now, how does one view “time”? Samuel admits that this aspect of the play was tricky to handle, and was discussed heatedly among the creative minds behind the revival of the show. “In the end we found the delicate balance of representing a projected future from the 40’s-50’s that would be accessible and relatable to a present audience. We are all very pleased with the results so far.” The adapted play clarifies “the action of the story, and to put emphasis on its characters and plot,” as Albert said. A direction picked up by Samuel by affirming that she “fell in love with many of its endearing qualities.” This time around, considering the history of the play, Samuel thinks that it is “the right time to bring back this cyclical tale.” With wisdom of hindsight and history on her side, she wants the “audience to have fun!” and each one “to feel like the characters on stage are his or her friends that they wish were around more often.”

This wish is reflected among the cast and crew of the show. Samuel gushes that “it’s a privilege and an honor. This cast is the dream team of talented actors who just also happen to be some of the best human beings I know. Even when I’m exhausted and cranky from other jobs, ten minutes in the room with them and I’m re-energized and inspired. I can’t wait to show them all off!”

Samuel thanks FringeNYC for providing the venue for such a challenging yet fun project to come to fruition. “The heart and core of this festival are the only two full time members of The Present Theatre Company, Elena K. Holy and Britt Lafield. They have built a home and a community based in the pure love and joy of theatre. It’s a perfect place and platform to explore and showcase new ideas in theatre. I’m always very grateful to be a part of such a special festival. And it’s a blast!”

Night of the Auk is co-presented by Outside Inside and HUBO Productions, and will run at The Players Theatre (115 MacDougal Street) in Venue #10 of The New York International Fringe Festival on the following dates: August 10 @ 5pm, August 11 @ 9:45pm, August 16 @ 4:45pm, August 17 @ 7:30pm, and August 18 @ 5:30pm. For a detailed performance schedule and to purchase tickets, visit www.fringenyc.org or call 866.468.7619.

Michael Ross Albert, adapter and actor in the restaging of Arch Oboler’s Night of the Auk, recalls that growing up, he took playing seriously. He says he “planned out all our games of Power Rangers, Batman, and Super Human Samurai Cyber Squad intricately, elaborately, and in advance” for their school recess. So when director Adam Levi approached him regarding Oboler’s Night of the Auk, he thought that the “play is a challenge, yes, but taking it seriously is even more fun than I thought it would be. I get to very seriously pretend to be in a spaceship with my friends. It’s like being a kid all over again.”

Michael Ross Albert and Hannah TimmonsPhoto by David Gazzo

The original script and production can be daunting at over 3 hours of run time. In trimming the original play to a more manageable one for a contemporary audience Albert dove in and “tried to clarify the action of the story, and to put emphasis on its characters and plot.” Along the process Albert found that “Oboler wasn’t so far off. True, the play is full of technological anachronisms (we still can’t make cocktails in space), but his stark vision of the future has, unfortunately, hit very close to the truth. We live in a world where the threat of nuclear war has escalated, where global monopolizing corporations dictate policy, and where greed and corruption continue to obliterate the planet. The world of the play was science fiction in the 1950s; now, it’s the very world we live in.”

Among the main characters in the play is Lewis Rohnen. Albert describes Rohnen as one who had “life of wealth and leisure, but he’s always been overshadowed by his incredibly influential father.” Thus when Rohnen singlehandedly funded the first mission to the moon following his inheritance, he “he has put so much effort into this project and he just wants it to be perfect.” This resonates with Albert who plays Rohnen, saying that “it’s actually very similar to the way I feel about producing theatre independently; you work tirelessly, with very few accolades, for very little money, but it’s your driving passion, and you want it to be the biggest and grandest experience it can be.” Rohnen, he says, “isn’t the nicest guy in the world. But he’s also a really lonely man, with very low self-esteem who overcompensates for his feelings of self-doubt by lashing out (sometimes violently) at everyone around him.” In contrast Albert is humbled by the crew of Night of the Auk and consider them as “a huge gift. Not only are we all great friends, but they’re terrific actors. It’s been a delight. And it’s been really intimidating– I feel like I have a lot to live up to.”

This passion that Albert displays finds a home in FringeNYC. He proudly and emphatically says that “the community I’ve found here is so supportive and so strong. Its producers, interns, and volunteers sacrifice all of their time and effort in order to support other artists. These are the kind of colleagues I want to impress, the kind who lose sleep making sure artists who rarely have a chance to tell their stories get the opportunity to be heard, and celebrated. It is overwhelmingly flattering to be part of this community, and I’m so grateful for the opportunities they’ve given me.”

Night of the Auk is co-presented by Outside Inside and HUBO Productions, and will run at The Players Theatre (115 MacDougal Street) in Venue #10 of The New York International Fringe Festival on the following dates: August 10 @ 5pm, August 11 @ 9:45pm, August 16 @ 4:45pm, August 17 @ 7:30pm, and August 18 @ 5:30pm. For a detailed performance schedule and to purchase tickets, visit www.fringenyc.org or call 866.468.7619.

Michael Ross Albert is the author of several plays, including Chagrin (FringeNYC) and Starfishes which was published in the 2010-2011 anthology of Best American Short Plays. Selected acting credits include Mr Martin in The Bald Soprano (Actors Studio), Feste in Twelfth Night (Lost & Found), and Orgon in Tartuffe (University of Waterloo). He received an MFA in Playwriting from the Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University.